I just want to let everyone know that this babysitter is not the same one my wife tried to get for the before and after care that I mentioned in this thread. This is a totally different situation, we needed someone to watch the oldest one for one week between her summer camp ending and her school beginning. Usually, the grandparents are asked to do this as we did this last year when the summer camp program fell two weeks short of her preschool but this year this was not an option. The littlest one's babysitter was a last resort.
Now on to people's replies...
NomadSoul: I learned today that this babysitter does babysit worldly kids too and I don't think this incident will be all too damaging.
Outlaw: The babysitter told me today that she tells people that she is a Christian, then later said a Jehovah's Witness, and that she will not allow certain things in her home. Truth is, I admire her stand but I plan to ask her probing questions about her she deals with the 'worldly' kids in regards to her praying for the meal and all and what her boundaries are with them. Of course, she may lie and there would be no way I would know.
Blondie: Yeah, I think my MIL, is trying to influence the wife in regards to spiritual education. Even dropping hints about using the School and Jehovah's Witnesses book. Luckily, the public schools in our area do not do any holiday celebrations out of respect for all religions. It is sensible to me since there are other religions besides the witnesses who do not take too kindly to having Christmas shoved down the throats of their kids. I try to teach my children to respect all beliefs even if we do not share in them.
Mrsjones: I think you are right. Today my daughter and I was talking about magic again and I think the babysitter's denying it only made it more interesting to her. I showed her a magic trick with a coin (that she saw through right away) and she wanted to do it herself. The funny thing was that she said, "We can't show mommy that we are doing this," as if we were doing something wrong. I could not help but to laugh. I warned my wife about making something appear to be a 'forbidden fruit' as I try to explain why rather than just simply saying no to something.
Married to the mob: I sense you confusion over this and the other thread. I hope my disclaimer at the top of this reply helps clear that up.
discreetslave: Yeah, it is extreme and I am beginning to wonder how far this babysitter goes. I just learned that the babysitter does a prayer before a meal too. What else is she doing? In regards to the baby, yeah she will still have her but hopefully the baby will be in a daycare by the time she is two. Truth is, that would be the best option even if the babysitter weren't an issue as kids need a head start before school as we learned by our oldest daughter. My wife sees this too and as a school teacher, she agrees that a center (preferably the one we sent the big sis too) would be a better choice when the baby gets older and the fees aren't so steep.
Hamsterbait: I think you too are confusing the two threads. Please read the disclaimer at the top of this post.
Nickolas: Truth is, I can respect her wishes not to have to watch those 'satanic' shows in her home. She is a good babysitter and I am overall pleased with her, I guess I will just have to try to determine how far she is going with her views and how much she is trying to push them onto the kids. As I mentioned, she babysits worldly kids too so I would hope that she at least respects the boundaries in regards to trying to indoctrinate the kids in her religion.
Carla: I got your PM, will respond.
AnneB: Yeah, I do wonder if she does this to the worldly kids.
mamalove: Thanks for the advice, I'm hoping to convince my wife to consider the community centers for before and after care of the oldest since they are cheaper than where we are going to send her to next week. As for the infant, I won't make too many waves for now but will be monitoring things.
Black Sheep: Good advice. I've got the book, been reading it, going to try the OPV game with them.
